What is a hexenhaus?

A prison for witches built in Bambert, Germany, in 1627 during the rule of the “witch-bishop” Prince Gottfried Johann George II Fuchs von Dornheim. It contained two chapels, a torture chamber, and cells to accommodate 26 witches. Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology.

Where did gingerbread originate?

According to Rhonda Massingham Hart’s Making Gingerbread Houses, the first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC. Chinese recipes were developed during the 10th century and by the late Middle Ages, Europeans had their own version of gingerbread.

What Lebkuchen means?

Christmas cookie
Definition of lebkuchen : a Christmas cookie usually made with honey, brown sugar, almonds, candied fruit peel, and spices.

What gingerbread means?

Edged in gold leaf and appearing in many different shapes, these cookies became a symbol of wealth and stature. Although gingerbread had a humble beginning as a Chinese root, it was quickly recognized as something more delectable. As gingerbread grew in popularity, it began to develop its own culture.

Why is gingerbread called so?

Etymology. Originally, the term gingerbread (from Latin zingiber via Old French gingebras) referred to preserved ginger. It then referred to a confection made with honey and spices. Gingerbread is often used to translate the French term pain d’épices (literally “spice bread”) or the German terms Pfefferkuchen (lit.

Why is gingerbread called lebkuchen?

The etymology behind this treat’s name is unclear. The ‘leb’ in lebkuchen is said to refer either to the German word for life, ‘Leben’, derivative of the term ‘leibspeise’, which means ‘favorite food’, or to possibly have something to do with the Germanic term, ‘lebbe’, meaning ‘very sweet’.

Why is gingerbread a symbol of Christmas?

Some people believe the fairytale Hansel and Gretel was based on this tradition while other historians believe creating gingerbread houses was influenced by the story. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are credited with popularizing the Christmas Tree and incorporating gingerbread into Christmas.

Why is gingerbread a Christmas thing?

According to Epicure & Culture, gingerbread was sacred, and the only time it was allowed to be made by the general public was during Christmas and Easter. So, that’s probably why it’s seen as a Christmas delicacy.

What is the difference between lebkuchen and gingerbread?

– Lebkuchen are a traditional German cookie given as gifts at Christmas that date back to the 1300’s. – Very similar to gingerbread but much darker, more dense and rich, and chewier. Lebkuchen is never crunchy. – Made with honey, whereas gingerbread uses molasses.